Project Manager salary in San Diego, CA
Median pay, San Diego metro
$117,460/year
about $56.47 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $86,370 – $139,940
Half of project managers in the San Diego metro area earn more than $117,460 a year and half earn less. That's 15% higher than the national median of $102,320, and ranks #7 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $69,660 | $33.49 |
| 25th | $86,370 | $41.52 |
| Median (50th) | $117,460 | $56.47 |
| 75th | $139,940 | $67.28 |
| 90th (top earners) | $171,400 | $82.40 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a project manager job in the San Diego metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $86,370 ($41.52/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $86,370 to $139,940 ($41.52 to $67.28/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $139,940 ($67.28/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- A PMP certification is often listed as preferred and can support a higher offer.
- Titles vary a lot: some "project manager" roles are really coordinator roles, so match the duties to the pay.
- Ask how many projects you'd run at once and whether you manage budgets.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, San Diego metro. Occupation: Project Management Specialists (SOC 13-1082). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.